L e s s o n 10My thoughts do not mean anything.

1 This idea applies to all
the thoughts of which you are aware or become aware in the practice
periods. The reason the idea is applicable to all of them is that
they are not your real thoughts. We have made this distinction before
and will again. You have no basis for comparison as yet. When you do,
you will have no doubt that what you once believed were your thoughts
did not mean anything.

2 This is the second time we
have used this kind of idea. The form is only slightly different.
This time the idea is introduced with "My thoughts" instead
of "These thoughts" and no link is made overtly with the
things around you. The emphasis is now on the lack of reality of what
you think you think.

3 This aspect of the
correction process began with the idea that the thoughts of which you
are aware are meaningless, outside rather than within, and then
stressed their past rather than their present status. Now we are
emphasizing that the presence of these "thoughts" means
that you are not thinking. This is merely another way of repeating
our earlier statement that your mind is really a blank. To recognize
this is to recognize nothingness when you think you see it. As such,
it is the prerequisite for vision.

4 Close your eyes for these
exercises and introduce them by repeating the idea for today quite
slowly to yourself. Then add:

5 This idea will help to release
me from all that I now believe.

6 The exercises consist, as
before, in searching your mind for all the thoughts which are
available to you, without selection or judgment. Try to avoid
classification of any kind. In fact, if you find it helpful to do so,
you might imagine that you are watching an oddly assorted procession
going by, which has little if any personal meaning to you. As each
one crosses your mind, say:

7 This thought about _____ does
not mean anything.That thought about _____ does not mean anything.

8 Today's idea can
obviously serve for any thought that distresses you at any time. In
addition, five practice periods are recommended, each involving no
more than a minute or so of mind searching. It is not recommended
that this time period be extended, and it should be reduced to half a
minute or even less if you experience discomfort. Remember, however,
to repeat the idea slowly before applying it specifically, and also
to add:

9 This idea will help to release
me from allthat I now believe.

Copyright (c) 2011 Course In Miracles Society. Reproduction, sharing and quoting from this material is encouraged. Where such reproduction involves commercial sale of more than ten percent of the total content of the Book in any media, written permission of the copyright holder is required. The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all copies of substantial portions of the Book.